Mike

James

James is excited about the chance to play against his former team and coach Terry Porter says “There’s a good chance he’s going to play.” Bad news for Mo Williams owners, and good news for James owners.

Porter still isn’t sure whether Mike James or Maurice Williams is his long-term starter, or finisher for that matter. “At the start of the game, we’re still probably going to go with Mo for right now,” Porter said. “But going forward, it’s hard for me to say if Mo’s going to stay there or not.” Williams, who has started every game, scored 10 points and had a career-high 13 assists Saturday, so we can’t see that he’s done anything to lose his job.

He added four assists, a steal, and a block to outplay starter and platoon partner Maurice Williams, who went for five points and four assists in 20 minutes.

''I think Mike is going start at the point guard spot for us (tonight) and the first game of the season,’' coach Jim O’Brien said. Marcus Banks will back up James. O’Brien also envisions Vin Baker starting at power forward, and Kedrick Brown at small forward. Oddly enough, the coach doesn’t feel comfortable enough yet with Raef LaFrentz to start him, and believes ''Mark (Blount) and Tony Battie are interchangeable’’ to start at center in the early going.

''I shouldn’t have even played tonight,’' James said as he iced the ankle. ''It happened yesterday in practice. I’m just getting over the flu, (then I) sprain my ankle in practice.’'

Coach Jim O’Brien said James is probable for tonight.

If James can’t play, starters Anthony Carter and Rasual Butler would get more work.

James wouldn’t be a candidate to start for Boston, but he could be a decent option off the bench.

James, who played for the Heat for two seasons (2001-03), is a restricted free agent. He said he’s also talked to the Lakers, Bucks and Rockets.

Jones may be on his way to Seattle or Houston.